ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Cabinet
Cabinet approves Signing of the TOR provide tax assistance to Swaziland
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the Signing of Terms of Reference  governing the engagement of the designated Indian Expert to provide tax assistance to Swaziland  under the Tax Inspectors Without Borders Programme between India and Eswatini.
Point-wise details
- An Indian Expert has been mutually selected by the Government of India and the Government of the Kingdom of Eswatini under the TIWB programme.
- The Terms of Reference will formalize the conditions of the engagement of the designated Indian Expert to provide tax assistance to Eswatini under the TIWB Programme.
Major Impact
The engagement of the Indian Expert under the TiWB programme will give impetus to India's support in capacity building in tax matters in developing countries.
Background
The Tax Inspectors Without Borders  Programme which is jointly launched by UNDP and OECD is intended to support developing countries to strengthen national tax administrations through building audit capacity and to share this knowledge with other countries. The TIWB Programme aims to strengthen tax administrations of developing countries by transferring technical know-how and skills to their tax auditors, and through the sharing of general audit practices and dissemination of knowledge products with them. The TIWB Programme complements the efforts of the international community to strengthen cooperation on tax matters and contribute to domestic tax mobilisation efforts of developing countries. India has been supportive in capacity building in tax matters in developing countries. India being a global leader in this respect has a very important role to play in South-South Cooperation in tax matters.
Ministry of Science & Technology
DST carried out Special Campaign 2.0 from November, 2022 to August, 2023 for disposal of pending matters & promoting Swachhata
Drawing inspiration from Prime Minister’s vision to institutionalize Swachhata and minimize pendency in Government, the DST had actively participated in the Nationwide cleanliness drive, the Swachhata Campaign under Special Campaign 2.0 from 2nd October to 31st October 2022.
The efforts under Special Campaign 2.0 were continued in the post campaign period from November, 2022 to August, 2023. During this period, Department of Science and Technology  along with its Subordinate / field offices and Autonomous Bodies continued its efforts for Swachhata Campaign and timely disposal of various pending matters.
The highlights of the achievements made by the Department and its organizations during December 2022 – August 2023 are disposal of 2,867 public grievances, making 69,656 square feet of space free, earning of Rs. 1,16,94,80 of revenue , weeding out of 88,187 files, carrying out of 359 cleanliness campaigns.
The Department of Science and Technology is committed to build on the objectives and achievements of the previous campaigns and to achieve the key objectives of the Special Campaign 3.0.
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SNC/PK
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Special Service and Features
Union Minister of State V Muraleedharan to inaugurate 'Gramotsavam' - Integrated Communication & Outreach Programme tomorrow
Minister of State for External Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri V Muraleedharan will inaugurate the Integrated Communication & Outreach Programme - Gramotsavam at Attingal, Thiruvananthapuram tomorrow  at 10.30 am. The three-day event organised by the Central Bureau of Communication, Kerala and Lakshadweep under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting will be held at Sun Auditorium in Attingal. Smt O.S. Ambika MLA will preside over the function. Attingal Municipality Vice-Chairman Shri G Thulasidharan Pillai, Ward Councillor Smt O P Sheeja, Central Bureau of Communication Kerala and Lakshadweep Region Additional Director General Shri. V Palanichamy, Nehru Yuva Kendra State Director Shri M Anil Kumar among others will attend the event. On August 21st, experts will conduct classes on social security schemes, development schemes, etc. of the Central Government. On August 22, competitions on pookalam and folk songs and classes on National Education Policy, and opportunities for start-up projects will be held. On The 23rd, thiruvathira kali compettition and classes on women empowerment schemes and women safety laws have been organised. A rare photo exhibition related to the freedom struggle, stalls of various departments, Aadhaar services and free medical camps have also been arranged.
--NS--
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PIB Headquarters
11 Selected: Job Fair in Chennai
The National Career Service Centre for SC/ST, Directorate General of Employment  Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Santhome High Road, Chennai-4 had organized a “JOB FAIR/ROJGAR MELA” in collaboration with M/s. Workfreaks Corporate Services Private Ltd., Chennai on dated 30-10-2019 at office premises.
Around 150 candidates belonging to different categories and Employers from the areas of BPO/Banking/Insurance/E-Commerce/Education/IT/Advertising and FMCG/HR/Marketing and Sales etc. participated in the Job Fair.
Out of 150 candidates, 11 candidates were directly selected and 60 were shortlisted for next stage for various posts available in companies. Sri Sujit Kumar Sahoo, Sub Regional Employment Officer, Smt. Bhavani Rajendran, Assistant Employment Officer of NCSC for SC/ST, and Shri Syed Nasrullah, Director, Workfreaks Corporate Service Pvt. Limited has successfully organized the programme, according to a press release issued by Shri Sujit Kumar Sahoo, Sub Regional Employment Officer, Chennai.
Ministry of Tourism
Final ‘Site Potential Development Report’ prepared for 4 islands in Andaman & Nicobar and 5 islands in Lakshadweep: Shri K J Alphons
The holistic development of identified Islands in the country has been taken up by NITI Aayog. The final Site Potential Development Report has been prepared for four islands in Andaman & Nicobar  namely Smith, Ross, Long and Aves Islands and five islands in Lakshadweep namely Minicoy, Bangaram, Thinnakara, Cheriyam and Suheli Islands. Tourism based projects have been identified in Long, Aves, Smith and Neil Islands of A&N and Minicoy, Kadamat and Suheli Islands of Lakshadweep while according priority to air and sea connectivity and the construction of airport at Minicoy in Lakshadweep by the Indian Air Force.
The Ministry of Tourism has also sanctioned a project for Rs. 42.19 Crore during 2016-17 for Development of Coastal Circuit  in Andaman & Nicobar under the Coastal thematic circuit of Swadesh Darshan Scheme for development of island tourism in the country.
Islands Development Agency  has been constituted on 1st June, 2017 under the Chairmanship of the Home Minister, Government of India to oversee the comprehensive development of Islands. Further, a Committee has been constituted in NITI Aayog to recommend a road map for harnessing the development potential of Little Andaman and Great Nicobar Islands in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
This information was given by Shri K. J. Alphons, Union Minister of State  for Tourism in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Shipping Ministry issues draft “Aids to Navigation Bill 2020” for public consultation
Legislation aims to replace over 90 year old Lighthouse Act,1927
In accordance with Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision for augmenting people’s participation and transparency in the governance, Ministry of Shipping has issued the draft of Aids to Navigation Bill, 2020 for suggestions from the stakeholders and general public.
The draft bill is proposed to replace the almost nine decades old Lighthouse Act, 1927, to incorporate the global best practices, technological developments and India's International obligations in the field of Aids to Marine Navigation.
Union Minister of State of Shipping  Shri Mansukh Mandaviya said that this initiative is part of the proactive approach adopted by the Ministry of Shipping by repealing archaic colonial laws and replacing it with modern and contemporary needs of the maritime industry. Shri Mandaviya also added that suggestions from the public and stakeholders will strengthen the provisions of the legislation. He further added that the bill aims to regulate state-of-the-art technologies of marine navigation which was earlier used to tangle in statutory provisions of Lighthouse Act, 1927.
The draft bill provides for empowering Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships  with additional power and functions such as Vessel Traffic Service, Wreck flagging, training and certification, implementation of other obligations under International Conventions, where India is a signatory. It also provides for identification and development of heritage lighthouses.
The draft bill comprises a new schedule of offences, along with commensurate penalties for obstructing and damaging the aids to navigation, and non-compliance with directives issued by the Central Government and other bodies under the draft bill.
With the advent of modern technologically improved aids to maritime navigation, the role of authorities regulating and operating maritime navigation has changed drastically. Therefore the new law encompasses a major shift from lighthouses to modern aids of navigation.
The draft bill is uploaded on the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships’ website http://www.dgll.nic.in/Content/926_3_dgll.gov.in.aspx, where citizens can submit their suggestions and opinions regarding the draft bill to atonbill2020[at]gmail[dot]com latest by 24.07.2020.
Ministry of Defence
Successful user trials of DRDO-developed Anti-Tank Guided Missile Systems ‘Helina’ and ‘Dhruvastra’
Joint User Trials for Helina  and Dhruvastra  Missile Systemshave been carried out from Advanced Light Helicopter  platform in desert ranges. The missile systems have been designed and developed indigenously by Defence Research and Development Organisation .
Five missions were carried out for evaluating the missile capabilities in minimum and maximum range.The missiles were fired in hover and max forward flight against realistic static and moving targets. Some missions were carried out with warheads against derelict tanks. A mission was carried out against a moving target from a forward flying helicopter.
The Helinaand Dhruvastra are third generation, Lock on Before Launch  fire and forget Anti-Tank Guided Missiles that can engage targets both in direct hit mode as well as top attack mode. The system has all-weather day and night capability and can defeat battle tanks with conventional armour as well as with explosive reactive armour. It is one of the most-advanced anti-tank weapons in the world. Now, the missile systems are ready for induction.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, the Army and Air Force for the achievements. Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy appreciated the efforts of teams involved in the successful trials.
ABB/Nampi/KA/DK/Savvy/ADA
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Ministry of Power
Union Power Minister inaugurates REC CSR projects worth Rs. 1.64 Crore in Koilwar , Bihar
Shri. R K Singh, the Minister of State  for Power & New and Renewable Energy dedicated CSR projects undertaken by REC Ltd.  worth Rupees 1.64 Crore, in Koilwar , Shri R. Lakshmanan, IAS, ED from REC Limited were present. Other district officials and general public from Koilwar were present during the occasion.
Ministry of Statistics & Programme Implementation
Minister of State of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Rao Inderjit Singh released the Revised Guidelines on MPLADS, 2023 and also launched new Web Portal for the Revised Fund Flow Procedure under MPLADS
The Minister of State  of the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implemntation  Rao Inderjit Singh released the Revised Guidelines on Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme -2023 on 22nd February 2023. The Hon’ble Minister also launched the new Web-Portal, for implementation of the Revised Fund Flow Procedure under MPLADS. The new MPLADs guidelines and the web portal will come into effect from 1-4-2023.
The objective of MPLAD Scheme is to enable the Hon’ble Members of Parliament  to recommend works of developmental nature with emphasis on the creation of durable community assets based on the locally felt needs. The revised set of guidelines aims to broaden the scope of the Scheme so as to enable the Hon’ble MPs to recommend the developmental works as per the changing needs of the community; with an emphasis on improving the functioning, implementation and monitoring of the MPLAD scheme.
The entire process of fund flow under the revised guidelines will operate through the web portal, which will facilitate real-time monitoring, greater transparency and accountability in the system, and improved efficiency and effectiveness of the MPLAD Scheme.
The launch of the revised MPLADS Guidelines and Web-Portal was followed by a two-day conference organized by the MoSPI on 22nd – 23rd February 2023 at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi. The programme consists of training workshop and live demonstration of the role-based features of the web portal, for the officers of the State Governments and Union Territories.
Finance Commission
Finance Commission meets with Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
The Fifteenth Finance Commission headed by Chairman, Shri N.K. Singh today held a meeting with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology  on “Harnessing India’s Digital Opportunity”. A detailed presentation on this was made by the Secretary, MeitY, Shri Ajay Prakash Sawhney.
It may be recalled that as per the Terms of Reference of the Commission, the Commission is required to make recommendations on such matters:
“Commission shall have regard to the demands on the resources of the Central Government particularly on account of defence, internal security, infrastructure, railways, climate change, commitments towards administration of UTs without legislature, and other committed expenditure and liabilities.”
The Ministry held in its presentation that the world economy was getting increasingly digital, and it detailed the disruptive potential of digital technology which is accelerating transition Elaborating on the digital profile of India, the Commission was briefed by Ministry that India was standing on the verge of a trillion dollar digital opportunity. It was stressed that large scale digital transformation is possible, however India can and must prepare for it.
In its Memorandum to the Commission, MeitY has made some specific suggestions-
- The Digital India programme requires unprecedented IT capability for States/ UTs to achieve its objectives and transforms India into a digitally empowered society and knowledge economy. The continuation of the ICT infrastructure and capacity building schemes is vital for States/ UTs to build ICT capability towards the implementation of the ‘Digital India’ programme. It has asked for allocation of funds for these projects.
- As the National e-Governance Plan  is not a Centrally Sponsored Scheme any more, the Ministry has asked for separate funds for the NeGP Scheme.
- It has proposed continuous Union support for funding under CSS the implementation of the core ICT infrastructure such as State Data Centres , State Wide Area Network , State Service Delivery Gateway , e-Districts etc.
- The Ministry has also asked the Commission to consider the following criteria while allocation of resources and proposing performance based incentives to States.
- Digital Infrastructure.
- Electronic Manufacturing.
- Digital Payments.
The Commission assured MeitY that it would taken into consideration all the issues raised by the Ministry in making its final recommendations.
Ministry of Micro,Small & Medium Enterprises
NSIC signs MoU with Commom Service Centres– eGovernance Services India for enhancing new offerings for the MSME sector
The National Small Industries Corporation signed an MoU with Common Service Centres  e-Governance Services India in New Delhi today, for enhancing new offerings for the MSME sector by synergizing each others' competence.The MoU was signed by Shri. Ram Mohan Mishra, AS&DC and CMD, NSIC and Dr. Dinesh Kumar Tyagi, CEO, CSC e-Governance Services India Limited .
Speaking on the occasion , Shri. Ram Mohan Mishra, stated that this MoU will have special focus on providing services to village level entrepreneurs  and would to lead to exponential growth of Village Entrepreneurs in the country. The MoU will also enable CSCs to utilize plethora of NSIC offerings through the NSIC portal www.msmemart.com .
Dr. Dinesh Kumar Tyagi,CEO, CSC said that CSC will facilitate VLEs and MSMEs through digital empowerment in accessing NSIC integrated support services encompassing Marketing, Finance, Technology and other offerings.
Prime Minister's Office
Delegation of British MPs calls on Prime Minister
An eight-member delegation of British Parliamentarians called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
The Prime Minister said that the relations between India and UK have strong bipartisan support in both countries, and called for enhanced interactions between the Parliamentarians of both countries.
The Prime Minister fondly recalled his own visit to UK in November 2015, and the visit of Prime Minister Theresa May to India in November 2016. The Prime Minister welcomed the celebration of 2017 as the India-UK Year of Culture.
The Prime Minister also said that India and UK are natural partners in the global fight against terrorism, and urged the Parliamentarians to continue to raise their collective voice against terrorism, extremism and radicalization.
Special Service and Features
Yoga offers a holistic solution to various ailments in modern times
A Webinar on International yoga day- ‘Yoga for health and wellbeing’ was conducted by Field Outreach Bureau, Tirunelveli, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, in coordination with Sri Sarada College for Women, Tirunelveli on 22nd June 2021 evening.
In his presidential speech, Regional Outreach Bureau Chennai- Director, J. Kamaraj IIS, said that yoga is a protective shield during this pandemic and by simple yoga practices one can enhance the physical and mental wellbeing. It is only by practice, one would realise the benefits yoga offers and it is individuals responsibility to pass it on to other generation ,he insisted.
While delivering inaugural address S. Sathiyavalli, District Curator, Government Museum, Tirunelveli said, yoga as an ancient discipline is a gift to the world by our country and there are evidences of this practice from Indus valley civilization. Yoga would be a boost for a life time if it is practised from childhood, she added.
In a special address, "Yoga Kalaimamani" S Arumugam, Founder, A.V.Surya Yoga Centre, Tirunelveli said that yoga can be done by everyone irrespective of age and religion. While speaking about the benefits of yoga he said yoga offers a holistic solution to various ailments in modern times . Further he stressed on yoga's potential to provide both health and happiness by improving the physical and mental wellbeing of people. He performed some breathing exercises, pranayama and yoga asanas that offer protection and boost immunity against certain viruses including Corona virus.
Giving special address DR. K. Prisha, a class 7 student and world's first youngest yoga teacher for blind certified by The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, pointed out that yoga provides a happy mind and a fit body. Later Dr.Prisha who has 41 world records in her name, also demonstrated various yoga asanas and also gave a live demonstration of blindfold reading with her excellent concentration skill.
Earlier Juney Jacob, Field Publicity Officer, FOB Tirunelveli in her introductory address said that 'Yoga For Wellness' theme is very relevant in the Covid pandemic times and it’s a healthy tool during the COVID-19 lockdown as it helps to de-stress people during the lockdown.
In his address Dr. G. Ganapathi Subramanian said that yoga should be practised under a guru or trainer, to derive whole benefits and to avoid sideeffects.
Dr.T.Dhanalakshmi, Head of Tamil department, Sri Sarada College for women said practising yoga is a wise investment to a healthy body and wellness and spending 10 minutes a day would give enormous benefits that last longer.
Later, J. Boswell Asir, Field Publicity Assistant, rendered the vote of thanks.
The webinar was attended by 100 people and E- certificates were given to all participants. The webinar was also streamed live on the YouTube channel "Regional outreach bureau- Tamil Nadu and Puducherry" and over 300 have watched the event.
Ministry of Defence
Tri Services Cycling & Trekking Expedition In Sikkim
The Indian Armed Forces have a rich saga of fostering the spirit of adventure amongst its ranks by undertaking various and varied adventure activities. To enhance the spirit of adventure ingrained in the Indian Armed Forces, demonstrate high standards of physical fitness, competitive spirit, mental robustness and camaraderie amongst the three Services - a Tri Services Adventure Expedition is being conducted from December 17, 2018 to January 05, 2019. The expedition is being undertaken by a Tri Services team comprising of three Officers, three warrant rank officers and thirteen soldiers from the Army, Navy and Air Force. The expedition is in three phases which includes cycling-cum-trekking, para gliding and sea diving. The first leg of the expedition comprising of a cycling-cum-trekking expedition will cover a distance of 200 kilometres from Kalimpong to north Sikkim under the aegis of the Striking Lion Division.
The Expedition was flagged off today by the General Officer Commanding, Striking Lion Division from the Gompa ground of Durpin Monastery at Kalimpong. The Armed Forces Team would cycle the treacherous and challenging mountains of North Sikkim for the next five days reaching altitudes of 15,000 feet in the Lachen&Lachung valleys. Apart from cycling, the team would also trek through the mountain ranges along the Teesta river. During course of the expedition, the team will spread the message of ‘Green Sikkim, Clean Sikkim’.
Ministry of Education
Union Education & Skill Development Minister greets the nation on the eve of Diwali
Shri Dharmendra Pradhan called for making Vidyanjali a mass movement
Union Education & Skill Development Minister Shri Dharmendra Pradhan greeted the nation on the eve of Diwali and wished for the festival to bring prosperity and joy in everyone’s life.
In his message, Shri Pradhan said that on such auspicious occasions, we celebrate the joy of ‘giving’ and dāna is the practice of cultivating generosity. Speaking about the biggest of all daan- Vidya Daan, he said that we all have certain expertise, skill and knowledge, which we can share with others. There’s no better joy of giving, than giving that to our future generations, he added.
The Minister stated that the National Education Policy 2020 has given us the opportunity to focus on the spirit of donating knowledge and expertise through initiative called as Vidyanjali, with community participation and ownership of our schools. The Minister urged the participation of everyone in Vidyanjali to ensure quality education to the children across the country.
We want to develop Vidyanjali in such a way thateveryone can contribute to school education in some way or the other. The Minister hoped citizens from all walks of life will join this mass movement of Vidya Daan.